How to get horse accepting the bit

xxxloz123

xxxloz123

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Hi I have a 4 year old who I broke myself, hes very good and im really happy how hes progressed. But he really doesnt like contact on his mouth and likes to chuck his head up especially on a hack. Im not to worried about him looking fancy and working in a proper outline but id like to be able to get him to start working with his head down and not in my face! I really dont like draw reins and would rather not use those. any tips would be appreciated :)
 
As a first step if I were you I would make sure there is no discomfort or anything physical that might make this harder or cause pain anywhere for him. Back, saddle and teeth would be my first port of call with the possibility of vet of there is anything to be concerned about. If they are all good then a comfortable gentle bit and working forwards would be my next step. As he is only 4 then it will take quite a while for him to slowly develop his muscles and work correctly. Work very slowly on it so as not to strain him at all. I would totally avoid lunging aids like a pessoa or ridden aids like draw reins etc as he won't have the muscle development to do what you are asking at first, slow work will pay dividends in time - gentle hills are your friends too as they will help build his back end, he can't work forwards properly from his back end without good muscle development here! For a comfy bit it is really a case of trial and error, taking into account his mouth confirmation - when your dentist visits he will be able to advise you on it and then pop back on here and people can suggest what bits might suit, a bit bank is also a really good port of call - there are loads you can call up and will offer fab advice. I would call a few and have a think about the suggesttions. The bit bank, Hillary and neue schule and the myler bit bank are my personal faves!
Loads of luck with your young chap!
 
45 views and 1 reply? :o I'll give you my humble opinion anyway :p :D

I'd suggest he is uncomfortable somewhere- typically problem areas are back, teeth or tongue?

What bit are you using on him?
Have you had his teeth done?
Have you had his saddle checked recently?
Are you using a noseband? - and is it possibly too tight?
 
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I had(still have I guess!) similar problems with the mare. Provided that everything is ok, back, saddle fit, teeth, my instructor has shown me the following:

Go onto a circle, take up a contact and keep the outside hand in place whilst contactly asking for a bend to the inside with the inside leg and hand. When the horse gives, you give a little to reward for relaxing. You mustn't lose your contact or the horse might take the oportunity and throw the head up. Repeat as necessary!

I promise you that it wont make sense and it will be uncomfortable and painful for a while - but if it works for you as it did for me, you'll start to see results!
 
Also,being 4, I'd check he has no wolf teeth coming through or loose baby teeth, new teeth about to come through and causing discomfort etc. Our 4/o had his wolf teeth out last year but kept chucking his about at the start of this year which is unlike him. Went on for a little while and one day found one of his molars spat out outside his stable and a new tooth coming through. Needless to say, it was probably a bit uncomfy for him! Better now though :)
 
Cliqmo said:
45 views and 1 reply? :o I'll give you my humble opinion anyway :p :D



My guess on lots of views and not many replies is that lots of us are looking for the secret to getting our horses to accept the bit and go in a nice outline.

My horse is not very accepting of the bit. I feel that there is several reasons behind this. He was not schooled after being broken, but was driven as a youngster, as far as i can work out very fast in trot :( Another reason is that my hands were not as steady as they could have been and we would end up in a circle of him throwing his head up, me shortening my reins and leaning forward. In the early days if i could keep relaxed and a good length of rein he was often more settled. I used to ride in a standing martingale for both of our benefits.

The things we have done which has much improved our way of going are:-
Changed to a straight bar snaffle, turns out he hated the jointed ones. I,'m thinking of getting a Nathe straight bar.

Having regular lessons, and working on slowing him down which has improved his balance so he can relax his head carriage more.

I work much harder at sitting up straight with my fingers closed around the reins giving him a softer more consistant contact, i now use continental reins to help remind me to keep the same length of rein and resist shortening with out realising.

Using my legs more to support him and encourage him to move into the bridle, but not allowing him to speed up and rush.

Think i'v waffled on a bit, sorry :o but hope some of my experiences can be of help
Click to expand...
 
i had terrrible problems getting my mare to accept the bit = she'd been a hunter before she came to me and had no inclination to work in any other way than upside down and poking her nose :rolleyes: she also had all the wrong muscles which made it very difficult for her
i got a fab RI who suggseted a chage of bit to a straight bar fleximouth eggbutt and the difference was amazing - she needed the security and confidence of the consistant bit (ie not joints etc) and then RI got me initially working her deep and low - not so much long and low as she'd then just collapse onto forehand and not work up through her back - it toko ages but i can happily say we got there in the end :D
in terms of actual riding etc - i'd say get a good RI to see from the ground whats happening and give suggestions :)
 
My horse was doing this, during a hack throwing his head up (I would be covered it spit as he constantly dribbled to), during lessons he would start of ok and progressively get worse and worse. It turned out to be his wolf teeth causing him trouble, and also cuts on his commissures (where the lips join, sorry think that is the french word only with bad spelling). Before the dentist came it had got to the point where he wouldn't accept the bit. Anyway two wolf teeth removed and cuts all healed and he is no prob now, opens his mouth when he sees the bit so really easy now. I also use de gouge when doing dressage, think this is slightly easier than a martingale but could be wrong, sorry if I am. Hope you get it sorted.
 
Haven't read all posts, but I think that its all been covered really. However, a pair of flexi reins or something similar may help your baby like the contact more. They really helped me! :)
 
Hey! only just got a chance to read all of your replies! thanks for your suggestions! He has had teeth done and all is fine, Im getting his back checked end of the month, Im pretty sure his saddle is ok but i will get that checked too. He only seems to do this on a hack mainly. Only occasionally he will do it in the field. But never the less i will get these things checked just to be safe :D I think getting some lesson will definatly help as i think the problem is me not riding him properly. I definatly like the idea of flexireins and i will give those a go :)
 
You have had some good advice .
Re bit just changed friends just 4 yr old to myler ported this is the first time he has taken contact.All the straight bar bits were to thick for his young mouth , the myler is slim no nut cracker action and seems to rest in the right place.They are expensive but he is far more comfortable.
 
I had a problem with a horse not liking contact on its mouth last winter. She'd go behind, or above the bit, would not work on it. We had the dentist out, checked her back, lunged her in the bridle nothing else and saw even there she was behind it, with no contact at all. We tried every bit we had, tried bitless, the lot. Eventually we found that she liked hanging cheeks and it was at that point that true progress began.

So keep trying, if all else checks out you might find your horse needs a thinner/thicker/hanging/odd mouthpiece. Every horse is different!
 
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